Great Siege Tunnels
18th-century tunnels carved into the Rock.
- Best for
- History, families, rainy days
- Accessibility
- Low ceilings and uneven floors in places.
Intro
Dug by British soldiers during the Great Siege (1779–1783) to place cannons facing the Spanish lines, these tunnels are a remarkable feat of military engineering.
The Great Siege Tunnels were carved by hand by British soldiers between 1779 and 1783 to position cannons against the Franco-Spanish siege. The result was a unique system of fighting galleries cut high into the north face of the Rock.
The visit takes you through restored galleries with cannons, mannequins and explanatory panels, all looking straight down onto the isthmus and the Spanish coast.
Any time during the reserve's opening hours.
45 to 60 minutes.
Why visit
- •Vivid piece of history you can walk through.
- •Informative displays and models.
- •Cool in summer.
Practical tips
- ›Included in Nature Reserve ticket.
- ›Some sections are low — mind your head.
- ›Combine with the Moorish Castle nearby.
Good to know
- Not the same site as the World War II Tunnels.
- Audio descriptions are available at panels.
- There are steep sections leading to the entrance.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking just enough time for the cave and skipping the tunnels — they are some of the most memorable interiors on the Rock.
- Confusing the entry with the WWII Tunnels (separate ticket and visit).
Frequently asked
Are these the same as the WWII Tunnels?
No, they are separate visits with different histories and ticketing.
How long does the visit take?
Allow about 45–60 minutes including the views from the embrasures.
Check official information before travelling.
Local guide
- Tunnels hand-cut through solid rock during the 18th-century siege.
- Cannons still in place at the original firing embrasures.
- A concrete sense of how geography decided Gibraltar's fate.
Combine with the WWII Tunnels the same morning — they sit close and complete the story from siege to modern war.
Ask AnuThe main embrasure looking north over the isthmus and La Línea — same view the gunners had.
Skipping the exhibition rooms — the maps and diagrams make the tunnel walk make sense.
Nearby & continue exploring
Nearby places
Upper Rock Nature Reserve
The protected upper half of the Rock with monkeys, caves, tunnels and viewpoints.
